1. Prepare the French Fries
1.1 Slice the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes (if desired) and cut them into 1/4-inch thick strips to make French fries. Place the fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps the fries become crispier when fried.
1.2 Fry the Potatoes
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a towel.
Fry the potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes, until they’re just starting to turn golden but not fully crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
For extra crispy fries, let them rest for 5 minutes, then fry them again for another 2-3 minutes until fully golden and crispy. Season with salt immediately after frying.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the fries are resting, cook the fettuccine or spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water
3. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
3.1 Cook the Pancetta or Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
3.2 Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
3.3 Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Quickly add the hot pasta to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss well to coat.
Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to combine and prevent the eggs from scrambling. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve the Flemish Carbonara
Plate the carbonara and top it with additional grated Parmesan, freshly ground pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley (optional).
Serve the crispy French fries on the side or on top of the pasta for a fun fusion twist.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
Fries Timing: To ensure everything is hot when served, prepare the fries ahead of time and keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the carbonara.
Creamy Carbonara: Traditional carbonara does not use cream, but this version adds heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce. Feel free to omit the cream for a more authentic version.
Cheese Swap: Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano if you prefer a sharper, saltier cheese.
Variations for Flemish Carbonara with French Fries
1. Vegetarian Version
Omit the pancetta or bacon and sauté mushrooms or zucchini in olive oil for a meat-free version of this dish. You can also add roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for extra flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Version
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The French fries are naturally gluten-free as long as they are prepared in clean oil.
3. Lighter Version
To lighten up the recipe, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. Turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon for a lower-fat option.
see next page
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
